TROY — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Muscular dystrophies are a group of diseases caused by defects in a person’s genes. Over time, this muscle weakness decreases mobility and makes the tasks of daily living difficult.”

ROCHESTER HILLS — Meadow Brook Hall was more than an elegant home — it was also a working horse farm that bred hundreds of horses, including a member of the International Saddlebred Hall of Fame, grand champion Wing Commander.

FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Hills’ historic Botsford Inn was built in 1836. It still stands at Grand River Avenue and Eight Mile Road — although Henry Ford did move it back from the road at one point.

GROSSE POINTES — The Grosse Pointes will be going to the dogs this summer. For its latest street art project and fundraiser, Dogs Unleashed, the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce will feature dog sculptures that will be “adopted” by local businesses, individuals and organizations after being designed and painted by local artists. There are two sculpture sizes available — the 18-inch-tall Lap Dog and the 4-foot-tall Watch Dog.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — With a history dating back to the early 19th century, the St. Clair Shores Historical Commission has recognized the site of the former St. Gertrude Catholic Church with a historical marker.

Macomb Feeding the Need held its second annual Homeless Shelter Sleep Out at Roseville Masonic Center, 27151 Gratiot Ave., from 7 p.m. Jan. 19 to 7 a.m. Jan. 20 to allow participants to experience what it’s like to sleep in the cold.

CENTER LINE — It’s not too early to think about carnival rides, outdoor music, food, fun and fireworks. Organizers of the third annual Center Line Independence Festival are already planning good times for residents and visitors June 7-10. The festival activities will run in Memorial Park Thursday through Saturday, while the adjacent carnival will be extended through Sunday this year.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — The myriad free programs and classes offered at the Harrison Township Public Library continue to fill to capacity nearly four years after becoming a full-time, taxpayer-supported center of information.

METRO DETROIT — Local auto dealerships expect customers to be the biggest winners after the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year Awards respectively named the Honda Accord, Volvo XC60 and Lincoln Navigator as winners recently.